Insulation Woonsocket RI

This page provides relevant content and local businesses that can help with your search for information on Insulation. You will find informative articles about Insulation, including "Insulation Choices and Strategies - Zero Energy Homes" and "Interior Versus Exterior Insulation". Below you will also find local businesses that may provide the products or services you are looking for. Please scroll down to find the local resources in Woonsocket, RI that can help answer your questions about Insulation.

Insulation Choices and Strategies - Zero Energy Homes

Insulation levels throughout the house are where zero energy buildings diverge from conventional energy code requirements most dramatically. To reduce net energy use to zero, houses need significantly higher insulation levels than conventional buildings that rely on abundant and inexpensive fossil fuels.

How Much Insulation is Appropriate

It depends on climate. The real issue is now to get the heating and cooling loads so low that a homeowner could heat the house with the refrigerator, a computer or two, and the dogs. Low heating and cooling loads are the magic bullet that allows zero energy houses to be cost-effective in any climate.

Insulation types and location determine how well the home will perform through the diversity of climate conditions and future challenges. For example, using spray foam to air-seal the house makes subsequent insulation strategies easier than trying to air-seal the house with just fiberglass.

Note: Fiberglass insulation that is installed over a couple of inches of spray foam is one way to make the house airtight and still affordable.

Types of Insulation

Insulation R-Value Quick Chart

Insulation R-Values

Type of Insulation

R-Value

Fiberglass

3.5 per inch

Cotton Batts

3.5 per inch

Cellulose

3.5 per inch

Closed-cell Foam

6 per inch

Open-cell Foam

3.5 per inch

Note: These numbers are estimates and the final R-value depends on density and installation.

Fiberglass

Conventional installation of fiberglass doesn't yield the performance required for a zero energy house. Typically, fiberglass is stuffed into wall cavities without regard for wiring, plumbing, or other obstacles already installed. Fiberglass requires conscientious air sealing before installation:

All vertical and horizontal penetrations from the envelope need to be foamed to prevent air movement Attic/second floor connection requires perfect air sealing because fiberglass itself does very little to resist air movement Batts must be cut around every wire, electrical box, and pipe in the wall

Cotton Batts

Cotton batts are made from recycled materials. To work effectively, they require perfect installation around all obstacles in a wall cavity. The material is very difficult to cut: use an electric knife and a manual hedge trimmer for straight cuts.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation has a high recycled content and is more affordable than foam. Make sure to use only borate-treated cellulose, as any moisture that gets into ammonium sulfate-treated cellulose will cause it to off-gas ammonia.

Note: It is recommended that you use a professional to install cellulose.

Cellulose can be installed two ways:

Dry as loose fill in wall and is kept in place behind netting. But be careful. Too dense, it fills out the netting and makes drywall difficult, if not impossible to install.

Sprayed on. It is mixed with an acrylic binder that holds it firmly in the wall cav...

Interior Versus Exterior Insulation

What are the advantage and disadvantage of interior and exterior insulation. Review the list below to learn more and decide which strategy is right for your project.

Interior Insulation

Advantages

It is simpler to install on existing foundation walls. Material costs may be low since you can use almost an insulation material.

Disadvantages

Many types of insulation require separation from habitable spaces by a fire-resistant material, since they are often extremely flammable and will release toxic gases if ignited. It reduces usable interior space when retrofitted. It fails to protect the waterproofing membrane. It may become saturated by moisture. Exterior Insulation

Advantages

It minimizes heat loss through the foundation. It protects waterproofing membrane. It can serve as a capillary break to block moisture infiltration. It prevents freeze-thaw cycle damage to foundation. it reduces interior moisture. It does not reduce usable interior space when retrofitted.

Disadvantages

Installation is more difficult than interior insulation in retrofits. Material cost is higher. Some exterior insulation materials are susceptible to insect infestation.

This page provides relevant content and local businesses that can help with your search for information on Water Heaters. You will find informative articles about Water Heaters, including "Water Heaters". Below you will also find local businesses that may provide the products or services you are looking for. Please scroll down to find the local resources in Woonsocket, RI that can help answer your questions about Water Heaters.